OGUN @ 50 : ODEDA LG CELEBRATES FIVE DEDCADES OF GROWTH, SERVICE, EXCELLENCE

 Wale Bolarinwa 

As Ogun State commemorates 50 years of statehood, Odeda Local Government has joined the rest of the Gateway State in celebrating five decades of sustained development, resilience, and impactful governance.

Since its creation in 1976, Ogun State has emerged as one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of industrial growth, educational advancement, cultural heritage, and economic dynamism. 

Odeda Local Government, centrally located within the state, has remained an integral contributor to this remarkable journey through agricultural productivity, grassroots governance, rural development, and cultural preservation.

Blessed with fertile land, rich history, and a vibrant population, 

Odeda Local Government has consistently supported the vision and aspirations of Ogun State by strengthening food security, promoting community development, and upholding indigenous values and traditions.

Speaking during the Ogun @50 celebration held at the Odeda Local Government Council Secretariat, the Executive Chairman, Hon. (Dr.) Waliat Folasade Adeyemo, described the creation of Ogun State as a defining moment anchored on excellence, industry, and visionary leadership.

Dr. Adeyemo noted that the state has lived up to its reputation as the Gateway State, producing distinguished sons and daughters who have excelled in governance, education, industry, culture, and public service both nationally and internationally.

She attributed recent developmental strides in Odeda Local Government to the GBAYI governance mantra, which aligns with the ISEYA development agenda and the broader policy framework of the Ogun State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Governor of Ogun State.

The chairman expressed profound appreciation to the Ogun State Government for creating an enabling environment that supports effective governance at the local government level. 

She also commended traditional rulers, security agencies, civil servants, political leaders, opinion leaders, development partners, youths, women, students, non-indigenes, and residents of Odeda Local Government for their unwavering support and cooperation.

In his remarks, the Vice Chairman, Alhaji Nasiru Yaya Adigun, described Ogun State as a home to exceptional talents making meaningful contributions across the globe. 

He urged citizens to remain actively engaged in the democratic process as a pathway to sustaining development and good governance.

Activities marking the celebration included Jumat prayer at local government secretariat mosque, the distribution of educational materials to students, empowerment of fifty (50) market women at Odeda market, presentation of gifts to beneficiaries across the ten wards of Odeda Local Government and other distinguished individuals, as well as the ceremonial cutting of the Ogun @50 anniversary cake.

Dignitaries at the event included the Executive Chairman, Hon. (Dr.) Waliat Folasade Adeyemo; the Vice Chairman, Alhaji Nasiru Yaya Adigun; the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Rotimi Adeyemi; the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Oyekunle Adebayo; members of the Legislative Council; Royal Fathers; past chairmen; leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Traditional Rulers; the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Oluwole Fateru; and Directors and Heads of Departments.

Also present were members of the Council of Balees, community and religious leaders, market women, labour unions, students, staff of the local government, and other well-wishers who gathered to celebrate Ogun State’s golden jubilee.